Round Rock City Council Meeting – February 12, 2026

The Round Rock City Council met on February 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included routine approvals, a first-reading rezoning for a small multifamily project, a second-reading rezoning for a data center Planned Unit Development (PUD) that drew extensive public testimony, and reports on the city's financial health. All items on the agenda were approved by unanimous votes, including the contentious data center rezoning.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (E.1): The minutes from the January 22, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.
• Resolution F.1: Authorized Supplemental Contract No. 2 with American Structurepoint, Inc. for the Sam Bass at Hairy Man Road Intersection Improvements Project (roundabout). Cost: $198,000. Construction estimated at $2 million, scheduled to bid fall 2026, complete by fall 2027.
• Resolution F.2: Authorized Supplemental Contract No. 1 with Rodriguez Transportation Group, Inc. for the Gattis School Road – Segment 2 Project. Cost: $102,000. Project to bid spring 2027, 20-month construction, finishing fall 2028.
• Resolution F.3: Authorized a contract with Travis County for election services for the May 2, 2026 General and Special Elections.
• Resolution F.4: Authorized a Joint Election Agreement with Travis County for the May 2, 2026 elections.
• Resolution F.5: Accepted the Quarterly Financial and Investment Report for the quarter ending December 31, 2025. Key highlights: Round Rock unemployment rate 3.1%, sales tax trending 7.9% above projections, property tax collections on track, investment portfolio of $514.5 million with a yield of 4.08%.
• Resolution F.6: Authorized an Interlocal Agreement with the Texas Department of Public Safety for a pilot program on electronic conviction reporting. No cost to the city.
• Resolution F.7: Authorized publication of Notice of Intention to issue $93.1 million in Combination Tax and Limited Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2026, for capital projects including Fire Station 11, public safety training center, and road improvements.
• Appointment H.1: Councilmember Montgomery was reappointed to the Clean Air Coalition.

Public Comments & Testimony

• G2 – Skybox Data Center Rezoning: Nearly 40 speakers addressed the council, the vast majority opposing the rezoning. Speakers included residents from nearby neighborhoods (Chandler Creek, Homestead at Old Settlers, Pioneer Point) and representatives from Public Citizen and Climate Cabinet. Key concerns raised:
  • Health effects of low-frequency/infrasound noise (referenced WHO studies and a 2020 review of 39 studies).
  • Increased electricity costs for residents due to data center demand on the grid.
  • Water usage, even with closed-loop cooling, and strain on the Edwards Aquifer.
  • Air pollution from diesel generators.
  • Potential property value declines and lack of long-term local employment.
  • A petition with 3,091 signatures (and nearly 3,200 by meeting time) opposing the data center was presented.
  • A few speakers (including two residents living closest to the site) changed their stance after meeting with Skybox, stating the data center would be less disruptive than the alternative warehouse development.

Discussion Items

• G1 – Rezoning 0.74 acres at W. Logan and Mandell Streets (First Reading): Staff recommended approval to rezone from SF-2 to MF-1 (low-density multifamily) to allow 6-8 townhomes. The property is one block off Mays Street, adjacent to a park. The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval. Council approved unanimously (7-0) and dispensed with the second reading.
• G2 – Rezoning 29.69 acres on E. Old Settlers Blvd. from LI to PUD No. 159 (Second Reading): The applicant, Skybox Data Centers, seeks to build a single data center building (up to 250,000 sq ft, 60 ft height, 75 MW grid power) with a closed-loop cooling system. Staff presentation detailed:
  • The property has a large electric easement; alternative uses include a 380,000 sq ft light industrial warehouse (by right) which would generate more traffic, water use, and noise.
  • Comparison: 135 single-family homes would use 18 million gallons of water/year; a data center uses ~2 million gallons/year (including irrigation).
  • Existing data centers in Round Rock (SABI, Switch) have had no noise complaints and use less water than planned.
  • PUD includes enhanced setbacks (430-750 ft from homes), a 25-ft landscape buffer with evergreen trees, restrictions on loading docks, and a requirement that the data center cannot draw power during ERCOT load-shed events.
  • Skybox representatives emphasized transparency, community engagement, and commitment to noise ordinances. They noted the property owner would proceed with the warehouse if the PUD fails.
  • Councilmembers asked about water reuse potential, building height, and generator usage. The city confirmed the site is near existing purple pipe infrastructure for reuse water.

Key Outcomes

• G1 (Multifamily Rezoning): Adopted unanimously (7-0) on first reading; second reading dispensed.
• G2 (Data Center PUD): Adopted unanimously (7-0) on second reading, despite strong public opposition. All councilmembers voted yes.
• All resolutions and the appointment passed unanimously.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:37 PM.